When your air conditioner starts putting out weird or gross aromas, it is a good idea to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Ignoring unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioning may lead to serious damage to your air conditioning or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on what you’re smelling, the culprit might be bacteria or fungus in the system. Other times, it could also sign something mechanically wrong with the air conditioning system. Some smells are even indicative of an unsafe situation, like a natural gas leak.
At Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc., we have a nose for these sorts of things. If you smell something odd coming from your AC, there’s a good chance our team of qualified professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned our reputation as the go-to team for air conditioning repair in Chester.
What does a specific odor wafting out of your AC mean? Here are several typical air conditioner odors and what they may mean:
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it might be caused by a buildup of bacteria or fungus inside of it. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can create an environment that is conducive to the development of bacteria and fungus. This can cause a nasty odor that is often described as smelling like stinky feet.
Another potential reason for an odor of stinky feet could be a dirty air filter. When your HVAC system’s air filter becomes choked with dirt, dust and other debris, it can cause low air quality and a musty smell that resembles feet.
To fix this problem, it’s important to have a professional inspect and clean your air conditioning system, including the evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain line. It’s also important to exchange the air filter regularly to provide good air quality and protect against the development of bacteria and fungus.
Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning equipment reeks of rotten eggs, it may be caused by a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a unique odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur, that is added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak can be extremely dangerous and requires immediate attention. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, immediately open windows and doors to air out the area, get everyone out of the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
Your AC Smells Like Mildew
If your air conditioner smells like mildew, it may be due to a buildup of moisture inside the unit. When moisture accumulates inside a cooling system, it can promote the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that has a resemblance to mildew.
Annual air conditioning maintenance from Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc. can help protect against both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a very good way to keep your system operating at its best!
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Urine
One of the most unpleasant things is when the air coming out of your HVAC system smells like urine.
If your air conditioning equipment stinks like urine, it could be traced back to a number of things. One likely cause is a collection of bacteria or mold in the your cooling system. This can happen if moisture accumulates in the system and creates a damp environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can emit a foul odor that some people describe as smelling like urine.
Another potential cause of the scent of urine could be a clogged drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away correctly, but if the drain line becomes filled with debris, it can cause water to back up and accumulate inside the unit. This can produce a musty smell that resembles urine.
Your AC Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning system smells like burning plastic, a possible cause could be an electrical issue with the unit. Over time, the electrical parts in the air conditioning system can wear out or break, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible root cause of the smell could be a foreign object that somehow got in the the air conditioner. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and cause a smell that reminds people of burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s important to call a professional right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner smells like gas, there could be a natural gas leak in the unit or in your home. Natural gas has a distinct odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is added to natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As we said before, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous and calls for immediate attention. Should you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, open windows and doors to air out the home, evacuate the building and contact your gas company or emergency services straight away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Fish
Should your air conditioner smell like fish, this could be a sign of a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture produces an environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a foul odor that is sometimes described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can cause a smell like dirty feet.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material trapped within the air conditioning system. This often can happen if an animal such as a mouse or bird becomes trapped inside the unit and dies.
To solve the issue, it’s worthwhile to have a professional inspect and clean your cooling system. They can find the source of the smell and take the appropriate steps to remove any contaminants and stop the problem from recurring.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Vinegar
There could be numerous reasons your air conditioning system smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a plugged air filter. Another possible cause of the smell may be a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that resembles vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s important to have a skilled specialist examine and clean your air conditioning. If the odor persists after the cleaning and changing of the air filter, it’s best to reach back out to a professional to diagnose and repair any persistent issues with your air conditioning. Or, the mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning needs to be replaced.
If you are wanting to upgrade, Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc. can help select the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We offer dependable, skilled air conditioner installation in Chester.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming from your air conditioning unit, it could be the result of a refrigerant leak. In a situation where the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical scent that is often described as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
Another possible source of the smell could be a problem with the electrical wiring or parts inside the air conditioning system. This can result in a burning smell that resembles chemicals or burning plastic.
If you believe there is a refrigerant leak or an electrical concern, it’s important to shut off your air conditioning system immediately and contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be harmful and may require immediate attention to protect against injury or damage to your home.
Weird Smells Coming from Your AC? Contact the Experts at Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc.
If your air conditioner smells nasty and you aren’t able to fix it easily on your own, contact the cooling specialists at Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We have plenty of experience working with a wide variety of HVAC systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning problems through the years—including weird smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Chester!
